Mike Woodson gave strong indications he will stick with the same rotation for tomorrow’s do-or-die Game 6 that didn’t include Jason Kidd in the second half but the Knicks coach still supported the future Hall of Famer who appears to be running on fumes.

Ama’re Stoudmire also was benched in the second half in last night’s victory but his rustiness is obvious and expected. Kidd’s sudden decline is shocking. Kidd was scoreless for the ninth straight game, his blown layup his only shot attempt in 5:20.

But Woodson still thinks Kidd is ready to make something big happen soon, even if his minutes appear to be on the decline. Pablo Prigioni is the flavor of the moment. He logged 18:50 and was back in the starting lineup for victorious Game 5. The Knicks remain down 3-2 and facing elimination.

“Jason’s going through a tough stretch,’’ Woodson said on today’s conference call. “But do I have confidence in putting Jason on the basketball floor? Absolutely. That will never go away. Jason played early on in the game and our lead grew when he was in the game. Those are the things that go unnoticed. Everyone’s so focused on him making a shot. Eventually he’s going to pop loose and make a big one. And we’re all going to say, OK, that’s the Jason we know. ‘’

Kidd hasn’t been as active defensively and he had zero rebounds last night – one he bobbled and allowed the Pacers to maintain possession. Still, Woodson sees little things he’s still doing.

“It’s the other intangible things he brings to the table, the leadership that’s more important to me when he’s on the floor than making a shot,’’ Woodson said. “I know he’s capable of making it. He’s had his struggles but still I’m not going to be hesitant on putting him in the game. ‘’

However, when asked if his rotation that didn’t include Kidd and Stoudemire in the second half will remain intact, Woodson said, “Those two guys just have to be ready to play. At this point, it’s about winning. We played a different rotation right now. It worked. We’ll look at that rotation again. We won the game.’’

Woodson wouldn’t address Stoudemire’s situation directly but it’s clear Chris Copeland is the better fit right now because he spaces the floor and even is more active on the boards than a rusty Stoudemire.